At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire young swimmers to reach their full potential through high-quality coaching.
- Company: Join Leeds City Council, a top employer with a thriving sports programme.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to inclusivity and athlete development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of young athletes while developing your coaching skills.
- Qualifications: Must hold an ASA Level 2 Coaching Award or equivalent qualification.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Leeds City Council is seeking a Lead Sports Coach – Swimming. This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the most successful swimming programmes in the country. You will play a key role in developing talented swimmers within a high-performing pathway.
Hours: Various available. As a Lead Sports Coach – Swimming you’ll thrive on developing athletes, delivering high-quality coaching, and helping swimmers reach their full potential. It’s not just about delivering sessions — it’s about inspiring the next generation and shaping a successful performance pathway within the city.
About you: As a Lead Sports Coach – Swimming, you will bring to the role:
- An ASA Level 2 Coaching Award (or higher), Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate, or equivalent National Governing Body coaching qualification
- Strong experience coaching swimming across a range of ages and abilities within a structured programme
- Excellent communication and motivational skills to inspire swimmers and support their development
- Knowledge of long-term athlete development, competition pathways, and safeguarding requirements
- The ability to plan, deliver and evaluate progressive training sessions safely and effectively
About the role: This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a thriving swimming pathway within Leeds. As a Swim England Performance Club and Local Council Swim Scheme, the programme provides a clear development journey from grassroots to national-level performance. You will have a dual role of coaching our Age Group Development squad, focusing on talented 10–13-year-old swimmers, while also supporting our Performance Squads led by GB International coaches Russ Barber and Jamie Fowler.
As our next Lead Sports Coach – Swimming you’ll lead and deliver high-quality swim and land training programmes, working with swimmers competing at County, Regional, and National levels. You will also play a key role in mentoring other coaches, supporting talent identification, and contributing to programme development.
The role is integral to our Active Leeds team, where you will help create a positive, safe, and high-performing environment that enables participants to thrive and achieve their goals. We are committed to continuous professional development and innovation, and we’re looking for a forward-thinking, ambitious and enthusiastic individual who will bring added value to our team in Leeds.
What we offer you: We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
- a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Russ Barber. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates. We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Purpose: To lead a structured programme for the athletes and customers level of ability within their relevant training scheme or class to support the long-term athlete development model. Coach progressive practises that will enable the athletes and customers to reach their goals and where appropriate develop world class technical skills. Prepare athletes and customers for their progression to reaching their goals and/or through to the next level of their relevant LCC training scheme. To provide a fun, safe and consistent sport/physical activity programme for all ages and abilities. Maintain a good and positive image of Active Leeds and Leeds City Council to customers and the public by providing a welcoming, helpful, and professional level of service. To encourage the development of sport/physical activity throughout the city, by ensuring learners reach their full potential. To manage the coaching programme and the delivery for athletes and customers within the relevant LCC training/activity scheme. To attend, support and be responsible for a group of athletes and customers at required events and competitions. To oversee, lead and mentor other coaches where required. When required support the programme manager in the talent identification process and programme development.
Qualifications: ASA Level 2 Coaching Award, Swim England Swimming Coach Certificate, or higher appropriate NGB qualification National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches or equivalent.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.
Skills Required:
- Able to communicate effectively with children and adults.
- Able to provide explanation and demonstrate appropriate sport/physical activity techniques using a variety of equipment to aid learning.
- Able to adapt to the needs of individuals and different work situations.
- Able to deliver an appropriate sport/physical activity programme to children and adults.
- Able to work flexibly as part of a team.
- Able to understand and interpret instructions.
- Able to demonstrate good organisational skills.
- Able to demonstrate excellent customer care skills.
- Able to lead in ensuring safety standards are followed in sessions and undertake necessary risk assessments.
- Able to inspire and motivate participants in sport/physical activity.
- Able to lead with session planning and implement progressive sport/physical activity sessions.
- Able to lead with accurately assessing/recording and evaluating participant progress using the appropriate resources provided.
- Able to provide information and advice to existing and potential customers regarding the sport/physical activity programme.
Knowledge Required:
- Hold an appropriate Level 2 or higher appropriate National Governing Body qualification.
- Hold or willing to obtain before commencement of employment the National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches or equivalent qualification.
- Knowledge of your NGB’s award scheme and pathways.
- Knowledge of Risk Assessments and Health and Safety guidelines.
- Relevant knowledge of Child Protection and welfare guidance.
Experience Required:
- Experience of coaching sport/physical activity to children and adults, through all stages of the framework, whether in groups or individuals.
- Experience of working within a structured competitive or council programme.
- Experience of using IT applications.
- Experience of administrating tasks associated with a sport/physical activity framework.
Behavioural & other Characteristics required: Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct. Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon. Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies. Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies. Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities. Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade. Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities. Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures. Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti‑discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity. Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
Lead Sports Coach - Swimming in Leeds employer: Swim England
Swim England is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where safeguarding is at the forefront of our mission. Employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a collaborative environment that encourages professional growth, all while making a meaningful impact in the community through the promotion of safe practices in swimming clubs across the nation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Sports Coach - Swimming in Leeds
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Swim England. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Swim England. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Sports Coach - Swimming in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Swim England aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swim England
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Swim England, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
